Which term describes a condition, substance, or device that can directly cause injury or loss?

The term that best describes a condition, substance, or device that can directly cause injury or loss is "hazard." A hazard is inherently associated with the potential for harm; it identifies a source of danger that may result in adverse outcomes, impacting people, property, or the environment. For example, a slippery floor poses a hazard because it can directly lead to slips, falls, and injuries.

Other terms, while related, have different connotations. "Risk" refers to the likelihood or probability of a hazard actually causing harm, emphasizing the assessment of potential consequences rather than the inherent danger itself. "Threat" often implies a more active or intentional danger, such as a person or entity causing harm, rather than a condition or substance. "Peril" is typically used in insurance contexts, indicating a specific risk or cause of loss, but it does not capture the broader definition of a condition that poses a danger. Thus, "hazard" is the most accurate choice to describe a direct source of injury or loss.